Corporate Events

Need a unique venue for a corporate dinner, off-site meeting, or luncheon? The Houston Zoo can cater to your every need. With a variety of venue options and delicious meal choices, we’ve got you covered!

Venue Options

Explore the special event venues below. These spaces are ordered with your guest count in mind. Whichever you choose, the Special Events staff at the zoo will work with you to make your private event elegant and unique.

New Venues at Gorillas

Three new venues are available for your private event beginning in the summer of 2015, within our brand new Gorillas habitat area. Make your reservation today and reserve your chosen space.

The Nau Family Gorilla Treehouse – up to 60 guests

Daytime and evening rentals available

Seated boardroom style: 40 at table

Dinner set up: 60

The Arrival Building – up to 70 guests

Photos are not available yet for this new venue.

Evening events only

Seated capacity: 48

Cocktail style capacity: 70

Addition of the Gathering Tent Available – cocktail style capacity for both spaces combined: 200

McNair Foundation Great Ape Gallery – up to 100 guests

Photos are not available yet for this new venue.

Evening events only

Seated capacity: 64

Cocktail style capacity: 100

Addition of the Arrival Building and the Gathering Tent Available – cocktail style capacity for three spaces combined: 300

Choose from our Many Venue Options

Sea Lions - up to 60 guests

Evening rental only

Light music permitted in area

No glass or china permitted on deck

Seating: 60

Chimpanzee Habitat - up to 60 guests

Evening rental only

Light music permitted in building

Built in A/V system

Private restroom inside venue

Seating: 60

Kipp Aquarium - up to 80 guests

Evening rental only

Guests surrounded by aquatic exhibits

Light music permitted inside building

Band or DJ with dancing permitted outside building

Seating: 60

Standing: 80

1,800 square feet

Natural Encounters - up to 150 guests

Evening rental only

Built-in sound system

Built-in granite counter-top bar

DVD flat screen above bar

Tranquil waterfall at entrance to greet guests

Private restrooms inside the building

Spacious area outside for additional seating

Band or DJ with dancing permitted outside building

Seating: 96

Standing: 150

2,500 square feet

Twiga Café - up to 150 guests

Evening events only

Seating for 100 included inside restaurant

Band and DJ with dancing permitted in plaza

Jaguar Habitat - up to 150 guests

Evening rental only

Tranquil waterfall in exhibit

Surrounded by oak trees

Band and DJ with dancing permitted

Seating: 150

Reptile House - up to 200 guests

Evening rental only

Band and DJ with dancing permitted in building

Distinctive desert and tropical displays in exhibits

Seating: 150

Standing: 200

Brown Education Center - up to 350 guests

Daytime or evening rental

Private access gate

Restrooms inside the building

Band or DJ with dancing permitted inside building

Hall seating: 180 (standing 350) – 4,000 sq. feet

Auditorium seating: 275

Classroom seating: 40 (built-in projector and screen included in rental)

Optional lawn seating: 150

Karamu Outpost - up to 1,000 guests

Daytime or evening rental

Easy access to restrooms

Band and DJ with dancing permitted

Seating under tent: 250

Lawn seating: 200

Cocktail style: 1,000

Masihara Pavilion - up to 1,200 guests

Daytime or evening rental

Easy access to restrooms

Band and DJ with dancing permitted

Seating capacity under tent: 400

Lawn seating capacity: 200

Cocktail style capacity: 1,200

Reflection Pool - up to 2,500 guests

Evening events only

Canopy of oak trees

Tranquil water fountains

Staging and band set-up permitted

Ample seating for large groups

Seating around pool: 500

Seating in lawn: 1,000

Standing: 2,500

9,600 square feet

Reserve the Entire Zoo

Evening rental only

Exclusive access to the zoo

All animal exhibits remain open until dusk

Free carousel rides until one hour before end of event

Exclusive animal encounters

Testimonials

“ The Zoo is an exciting venue for an event. We held a corporate retreat all day at the zoo…After working all day on work related topics it was pleasant to walk out into the zoo to see the animals and relax. I will return to this venue for future events and strongly recommend it to others for a great day.”- Allison Skelton. Houston Methodist

“Our company enjoyed having our event at the Zoo. The setting was great and provided a unique atmosphere for all who attended.”- Brieanne Roy, TransCanada

“This is my second time hosting an event at the Houston Zoo, and I was just as pleased as the first time around. Communication and coordination with the event rep was easy and efficient. Our event at the zoo will be one I keep on our calendar for the foreseeable future.”- Natasha Hakala, Riverstone Community

Catering

We provide extensive, full-service catering detailed to fit your specific party needs. Whether it’s a business luncheon, an intimate dinner or stunning gala, we have the capabilities and resources to offer a truly unique experience.

Event Enhancements

If you’re looking to have the most unique special event in town, we’ve got plenty of exciting experiences and extras to ensure your guests have the best time. From animal experiences to beautiful décor, we can help you create the perfect party.

Animal Experience

$500 for one hour (up to four touch animals)
A one hour animal experience includes a keeper bringing small animals to your event space to interact with and ask questions. Use of this experience is limited to weather conditions and must be approved at least two weeks prior to the event.

Scavenger Hunt

$100
An exciting self-guided search throughout the Zoo for fun facts found on exhibit signage.

Conservation Wristbands

$1 Per Wristband
Helps identify your group from the crowd and make a direct donation to the Naturally Wild Conservation Program.

Centerpieces

Personalize your event with beautiful centerpieces. Choose from our in house options or take it to the next level with something more elaborate. Ask your event coordinator for all that we can offer.

DJ and Bands

Provide music for your party animals! Pricing upon request.

Upgraded Linens

Set your event apart with a variety of linen options. Ask your event coordinator for all that we can offer.

Find Out More

Questions? Need Pricing? For more information, fill out our convenient form, and a Houston Zoo Special Events representative will contact you with all the answers.